Page 65 of Stuck with My Bossy Protector

“No,” I shake my head. “I want you to find this Carter dude. You have more reach than the state police. Find him. Lock him up, or I will go public with what you did.”

Fields laughs. “Do you think that matters? Do you think anyone is going to believe you?”

I give him a stern look, knowing I really don’t have any cards left to play.

“Fine,” he acquiesces. “Give me his information, and we’ll see what we can do.”

“Thank you,” Mia says.

“We’ll escort you to the airstrip. It’s a short drive, and the plane is ready to go. You’ll be in Fairbanks within the hour.”

We gather our things quickly—not that we have much. All we have are the clothes on our back. Mia clings to my hand, her grip tight and reassuring. I can feel her anxiety, matching my own. We arrive at the small airstrip with the waiting plane, its engines already humming. The agents help us aboard, and within minutes, we’re airborne, leaving the small town and its dangers behind. The sense of relief is profound, but there’s also an underlying tension. This isn’t over yet.

As the plane climbs higher, I look over at Mia. “How are you holding up?”

She gives me a small, brave smile. “Better now that half of the equation is solved.”

“Once we know they’ve got Carter, I’ll get a ride back to my plane and go to the cabin to get your camera equipment.”

“I’m coming with you,” she grins. “Didn’t I tell you you’re stuck with me?”

Chapter twenty-seven

Epilogue

Mia

Inever thought I’d find myself calling Fairbanks home, but here I am, feeling more rooted than I have in years. The past few months have been a whirlwind. After the harrowing ordeal with my ex, Noah and I decided to stay here while everything settled. The DEA pulled in the FBI in the manhunt for Carter. They found him a few weeks after the incident, and he’s now in jail awaiting trial for murder in Colorado, but Alaska also wants a go at him. I’ve been assured he will never see the light of day again.

I’m safe.

We’re all safe, I think to myself with a hand on my belly.

Noah has been amazing. He’s shown me parts of Alaska I never dreamed of seeing. I’ve captured some of the most breathtaking photos of my career. His new plane, though used, is a reliable workhorse, and flying with him has become one of my greatest joys. There’s a sense of freedom and adventure in the skies, a perfect contrast to the fear and uncertainty that once gripped us.

Today, we’re up early, prepping for another flight. The morning air is crisp and clear, perfect for capturing the elusive beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. As we load our gear into the plane, I glance at Noah, my heart swelling with love and gratitude. He catches me looking and winks.

“Ready to find some new shots?” he asks.

“Always,” I reply, smiling back.

We take off, the ground disappearing beneath us. The landscape sprawls out in a breathtaking panorama of snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and winding rivers. It’s a beautiful summer day. Noah handles the small plane expertly. His face is focused but calm, his hands steady on the controls. I admire his skill and his confidence. I never worry when he’s at the helm.

“Down there,” I point to the herd of caribou leisurely grazing on a green patch.

He nods and slowly starts to descend, landing far enough away not to startle the animals. Together, we walk to the clearing, carefully moving slowly and quietly. I quickly aim my camera and start clicking away. I focus on the attentive eyes of a watchful mother guarding her young calf.

Something startles the herd, and they take off running in the opposite direction.

“I guess that’s that,” Noah chuckles. “Did you get what you needed?”

“I think so,” I nod.

We get back aboard the plane and set off to our destination—Eric’s cabin. His wife signed it over to me. I understood it was too painful for her ever to go back there. It was difficult for me, but it was also where Noah and I fell in love.

We land near the cabin, and Noah carries our suitcase inside while I grab the groceries for our short stay. The place has become our getaway. I want to make new memories to get rid of the dark ones. After settling in, we sit on the porch, sipping hot coffee and appreciating the beauty.

Noah gets up from his chair and turns around to kneel in front of me. “What are you doing?”

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